India has invited representatives from countries that are currently negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade deal on September 14 and 15 to discuss ways to strengthen the mega trade deal, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said.

In a press briefing on September 11, the minister said that India would keep the interests of its domestic industry paramount before signing a 16-member Asia-Pacific trade pact.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed me to enter RCEP negotiations while taking all steps to protect the domestic industry. At the same time, we have to keep in mind the opportunity to increase business activities of new technology, new foreign investment and opening up of the services sector, new market access to Indian exporters. Otherwise, Indian exporters will be at a disadvantage,Goyal said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement is being negotiated between 16 countries including 10-nation grouping ASEAN and India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.